Mission:

As the first Inspector General of Cuyahoga County, I commit to you that if you report an allegation of wrongdoing to my Agency it will be fully investigated and when appropriate a referral for further governmental intervention or internal discipline will be made. It is no longer business as usual in Cuyahoga County. This is about a change in the way we do business. We owe it to ourselves, to the taxpayers and to the residents of the county to engage in business practices of the highest ethical standards.

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Lobbyist Registration


Introduction

The Cuyahoga County Ethics Ordinance (“Ethics Ordinance”) sets forth several requirements for lobbyists interacting with County officials or employees (“Lobbyist”).  A Lobbyist is defined as an individual wholly or partially compensated for direct, private communication with County policy-making officials or their staffs, with the purpose of influencing the expenditure of funds in the awarding of a contract or other financial arrangement; or for making direct, private contact with same to promote, advocate or oppose the passage, modification, defeat, approval or veto of any legislation or policy.

 

Pre-Lobbying Requirements

Effective January 1, 2012, Article VII, Section 32 of the Ethics Ordinance requires the following from all Lobbyists prior to lobbying County officials or employees:

 

  • The Lobbyist must be registered with the Cuyahoga County Agency of Inspector General (“Agency of Inspector General”).  Registration includes completion of the attached registration form, signing of the Ethics Ordinance Certification, and submittal of a $100 registration fee.  Registration is a pre-condition for engaging in any lobbying activity with County officials or employees.  All registrations will expire on December 31st of the respective registration year that is four (4) calendar years after the year in which the Contractor previously registered.
  • Each Lobbyist must attend an ethics training program provided by the Agency of Inspector General prior to engaging in any lobbying activity with County officials or employees.  Lobbyists located in the State of Ohio are required to attend a live training session.  Enrollment is required prior to attendance at a live ethics training session. Trainings are generally held at the Cuyahoga County Council Chambers located in the Justice Center at 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland (first floor).  Out of state Lobbyists can contact the Inspector General at the number listed below to inquire about the availability of web-based training.  Ethics training for Lobbyists shall remain effective until December 31st of the respective registration year that is four (4) calendar years after the year in which the Lobbyist previously registered.